Joan J. Belanger

August 11, 2011

Joan J. Belanger left this life on Aug. 10, 2011. She died at her daughter's home with loving family at her side.

Joan was born Dec. 12, 1932, in Detroit Mich. As an only child born to James and Elizabeth Spencer Johnson, Joan spent much of her youth near rivers and streams where fly fishing and camping were a way of life. It was there she was drawn to the forests, the deep woods and nature. She adored her pets and throughout her life became attached to each one for the friendship they provided to her.

After high school she attended Michigan State College and met and married Pierre H. Belanger. Soon she and Pierre had four children. Pierre Jr., Jeffrey, Lizette and Russell. In 1961 a family cottage was purchased on Mullett Lake in Northern Michigan. For 50 years "the cottage," mom's favorite place to be, was shared with many friends and family establishing memories to last a lifetime. In 1964 when her oldest child was 9, she registered with the Boy Scouts of America. From this date forward she was dedicated to the BSA particularly Troop 1629 where she was fondly referred to as Lady Scout and served as secretary, den leader and den leader coach. In 1979 adding to her involvement she was a merit badge counselor for Citizenship in Community, Nation and World, American Heritage and Genealogy. In 1988 she was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for Michigan National Bank and earned $1,000 for D-A Scout Camp. Joan was active in helping the last 47 Eagle Scouts including her three sons achieve their rank and served on the board of review for Eagle. Her passion carried over to the Camp Fire Girls where she was the group organizer and won an award for doubling the size of CFS in Oakland County.

Joan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister-in-law. She will be missed by many. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and husband. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Pierre (Patti) Belanger, Royal Oak, Jeffrey (Sandy) Belanger, Warren, Lizette (Timothy) Bondy, Petoskey, Russell (Violie) Belanger, Petoskey; six grandchildren Ryan, Aimee, Ashley, Rosie, James and Andrew; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, Mich. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. on Saturday until the time of service.

The family suggests honorary donations be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1629, 2424 Elmhurst, Royal Oak, Mich. 48073.

Joan is served by Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey and the Gramer Funeral Home of Clawson, Mich.

Those wishing to share a memory of Joan or a condolence with the family are invited to sign the online register book at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.